What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels are peeling agents that use chemicals to resurface the skin, improving the skin’s appearance and encouraging the growth of new skin.
Chemical peels aren’t the same as carbon laser peels! Click here to learn the difference between the two.
Types of Chemical Peels and What They Treat
There are a variety of chemical peels that can be used to safely rejuvenate your skin. These range from superficial formulations to deep peels that should only be administered by an experienced doctor in a controlled setting.
Superficial Chemical Peels for Mild Acne & Sun Damage
Superficial peels generally consist of alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA), which include naturally occurring fruit acids, such as glycolic, lactic, citric, tartaric, and malic acids.
These are often used to improve photo-aging from mild sun damage, acne scars, or fine wrinkles in all skin types. They can be applied to the face or on other parts of the body. A superficial peel can also be used to prepare the skin for a deeper peel.
Medium Chemical Peels for Moderate Wrinkles & Pigmentation
Medium peels are typically accomplished with the use of trichloroacetic acid (TCA). The degree and depth of application, as well as the concentration of trichloroacetic acid used (up to 35%) can be customized depending on your skin condition.
Another type of medium chemical peel is the Jessner peel, which is designed to cause a higher degree of skin resurfacing than an AHA peel. Jessner peels are made of salicylic acid, lactic acid, as well as resorcinol.
Medium peels are used to treat mild to moderate wrinkles, photo-aging from long-term sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne, as well as precancerous skin lesions typically caused by sun exposure. Such peels are generally applied to the face.
Deep Chemical Peels for Severe Wrinkles & Skin Lesions
Deep peels are the most aggressive type of chemical peels that penetrate several layers of skin to produce skin rejuvenation from within. A phenol peel is a type of deep peel that uses carbolic acid, the strongest type of peeling agent available, to treat the skin. This allows for the production of new collagen at a faster rate as compared to other peels.
Given the nature of the active ingredients contained, deep peels are used only on the face.
Deep peels are most effective for treating severe wrinkles, pronounced pigmentation spots, as well as lesions or growths on the skin.
What to Expect During a Chemical Peels Treatment Procedure?
Procedures may vary depending on the type of chemical peel applied.
An experienced therapist will cleanse your skin, followed by the application of a medical degreaser to ensure that the treatment area is free of any oils. The chemical agent is then applied and left on the treatment area for a controlled amount of time, after which your skin is cleansed with cold water or a neutralizing agent to stop further chemical reactions.
For light and medium chemical peels, most patients tend to feel a mild prickly sensation, but this is temporary and subsides within a few minutes. For deep peels, a local anaesthetic will be applied to the treatment area to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Post-Care After Chemical Peels Treatment Singapore
After a chemical peel of any depth, patients must take care to avoid exposure to the sun, as well as refrain from peeling or picking at flaking skin. The cleansing of the treatment area should be done with mild cleansers, with liberal applications of moisturizers and sunscreen to speed up the healing process.
Patients should schedule a review with Dr. Kok 1 month after the treatment.
How long do the results last?
Results vary depending on the depth of the peel chosen.
- Superficial peels may require ongoing sessions
- Medium peels offer more noticeable results after one session
- Deep peels produce long-lasting outcomes but have higher risks and downtime
Are there any risks or downtime?
After most chemical peels, patients may experience a slight stinging sensation, as well as dryness, peeling, or redness a few days after the peel. The stronger the chemical peel, the longer the downtime.
For superficial peels, there is often little to no downtime. Patients might experience slight redness after the peel, but this should subside after a few hours. You will be able to resume your daily activities immediately.
For medium peels, patients will most likely experience skin peeling that lasts about a week.
After deep peels, patients will most likely experience redness, pain, and raw sensations, which could require pain medication to ease the healing process. While new layers of skin tend to surface 7 – 10 days after treatment, complete healing will take about 2 months or longer.
Deep peels should not be used on patients with darker skin tones as they tend to bleach the skin. Other side effects of deep peels include permanently bleached skin that is much lighter than other areas of the skin or scarring, especially if the skin does not heal correctly.
At LS Aesthetic, we do not offer deep chemical peels as the complications tend to outweigh the benefits. There are safer and better treatment alternatives for this.
Chemical peel treatment
If you’re considering a chemical peel treatment in Singapore, it’s important to determine if your skin type and condition make you an ideal candidate. Chemical peels are effective non- invasive skin treatments that address a wide range of skin concerns.
Suitable Candidates for Chemical Peels
You may be a good candidate for a chemical peel in Singapore if you are looking to treat:
Acne and acne scars: Superficial and medium-depth peels can help exfoliate clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and fade post-acne marks.
Sun-damaged or photoaged skin: Peels help reverse the effects of long-term UV exposure, including uneven skin tone, dullness, and fine lines.
Fine lines and wrinkles: Chemical peels stimulate collagen production, softening the appearance of early aging signs.
Hyperpigmentation and melasma: Certain peels, like combination peels or TCA peels, target excess melanin to even out skin tone and fade dark spots.
Most individuals with mild to moderate skin concerns and in overall good health are typically eligible for chemical peels in Singapore.
Important Considerations: Your Medical History Matters
Before undergoing any chemical peel treatment, it is essential to provide Dr. Kok at LS Aesthetic Clinic with a complete and accurate medical history. This includes information on:
Diabetes: Healing may be slower, and the risk of complications such as infection may be higher.
Autoimmune disorders or a history of radiation therapy: These conditions can affect skin recovery and response to the peel.
This thorough assessment ensures that the type and strength of the chemical peel in Singapore are tailored to suit your individual skin needs and overall health.
Who Should Avoid Chemical Peels?
While chemical peels can benefit many, there are certain conditions that may increase the risk of complications. Avoid undergoing a chemical peel if you have:
Extremely sensitive or sunburned skin: The peel may cause further irritation or damage to already inflamed skin.
Active herpes simplex infections: Chemical peels can trigger outbreaks or worsen existing sores.
Recent use of Accutane (isotretinoin): Patients who have taken Accutane in the past 6–12 months may be at higher risk of scarring and delayed healing.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Many chemical agents used in peels are not recommended during this period due to potential effects on the baby.
Vitiligo: Peels may trigger flare-ups or changes in skin pigmentation.
Allergy to aspirin or salicylates: Some peels contain salicylic acid, which could lead to an allergic reaction.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a chemical peel in Singapore, a professional consultation with Dr. Kok will help you understand your options and recommend safer alternatives if needed.
For other types of acne treatments that may be suitable for you, click here.
Book Your Chemical Peels Treatment in Singapore Today
Call us at +65 6738 4700 or email us at enquire@lsaestheticclinic.com for more enquiries. We are conveniently located at #10-04 Wisma Atria Office Tower, 435 Orchard Road Singapore 238877.
FAQ's
Chemical peels use chemical solutions to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, addressing concerns like acne scars, sun damage, and fine wrinkles. LS Aesthetic Clinic offers various chemical peels tailored to individual skin needs. Here are some frequently asked questions about our chemical peel treatments:
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove its outer layers, promoting the growth of new, smoother skin. They can improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.
We offer several types of chemical peels, including:
- Superficial Peels: Utilize alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic to treat mild sun damage, acne scars, and fine wrinkles.
- Medium Peels: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) often address moderate wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and photo-aging from sun damage.
- Deep Peels: Employ agents like phenol to penetrate multiple skin layers, treating more severe skin issues.
Chemical peels can treat a variety of skin issues, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Sun damage and photo-aging
- Acne and acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
- Rough skin texture
While chemical peels can benefit many skin types, it’s essential to have a consultation to determine the most suitable peel for your skin, especially for individuals with darker skin tones or specific skin conditions.
You may experience a tingling or itchy sensation during the procedure as the chemical solution is applied. After the treatment, your skin may be red and sensitive, with peeling occurring over the next few days. Recovery time varies depending on the peel’s depth, ranging from minimal downtime for superficial peels to several weeks for deep peels.
Post-peel care is crucial for optimal results:
- Keep the skin hydrated with recommended moisturizers.
- Avoid sun exposure and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
- Refrain from using harsh skincare products until the skin has fully healed.
The number of treatments required depends on your skin concerns and the type of peel used. Superficial peels may be repeated more frequently, while medium and deep peels are performed less often as there are other new options of treatment. Your practitioner will provide a personalized treatment plan during your consultation.